QUAKE DRILLS. Department of Education-Region 12 director, Dr. Allan Farnazo, directs all public and private schools in Soccksargen to conduct weekly earthquake and other disaster-related drills. He issued the directive after a 6.5 magnitude quake jolted the area on Thursday morning (Oct. 31, 2019), the second this week. (PNA file photo)
KORONADAL CITY - An official of the Department of Education (DepEd) in Region 12 (Soccksargen) directed all public and private schools in the region to conduct weekly earthquake and other disaster-related drills after two powerful earthquakes jolted the area this week.
Dr. Allan Farnazo, DepEd-12 director, said Thursday the move mainly aims to generate the “highest level of awareness” among students, teachers, and school personnel on proper responses during emergencies triggered by earthquakes and other disasters.
He said the conduct of regular drills could help prevent casualties, especially deaths, during disasters.
“My mandate to our schools is to implement earthquake and fire drills every Friday starting next week until the Christmas break,” Farnazo said in an interview.
Citing reports from the field, he said many schoolchildren and students panicked at the height of the twin quakes on Tuesday and Thursday.
He said several school children in North Cotabato suffered injuries while running towards the evacuation centers.
“We are thankful that except for the few injuries, there was not recorded fatality. So we hope the weekly drills will correct the gaps and further strengthen awareness on disaster preparedness” Farnazo said.
He lauded teachers for properly handling the situation and making sure that the safety of the students was prioritized.
“The danger of accidents and injuries is very high. Our teachers are also parents and I thank them for always putting the safety of the schoolchildren ahead of their own,” he said.
To help students affected by the quake cope with trauma, he ordered schools to conduct stress debriefing when classes resume.
“All schools have teachers who were trained on how to do stress debriefing. We also have health personnel who can help with these activities,” he added.
Classes in most parts of Soccsksargen remain suspended since the magnitude 6.6 earthquake at 9:04 a.m. last Tuesday. Another strong earthquake, measured at magnitude 6.5 jolted the area at past 9 a.m. on Thursday.
The epicenter of the twin quakes was traced in North Cotabato province. (PNA)
